Recall: OWT Industries and Sears Recall of Electric Routers Used in Woodworking

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 27, 2003 Release # 03-100

Router Recall Hotline: (800) 932-3188 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson, (301) 504-7051

CPSC, OWT Industries Inc. and Sears Announce Recall of Electric Routers Used in Woodworking

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), OWT Industries, Inc., of Pickens, S.C. and Sears Roebuck and Co. (Sears), of Hoffman Estates, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 5,200 electric routers used in woodworking. The on-off switch on the routers could stick in the "on" position, posing a risk of serious lacerations to the operator and bystanders.

Sears has not received any reports of injuries or incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

This recall involves Craftsman® routers, model number 315.17510 with date codes of A0304 or lower. The model numbers and date codes are printed on a black data label located on the electric motor's housing. The routers have an aluminum base with black handles and a black motor. All affected routers were packaged with a cloth carry bag under the stock number 17518. Routers sold without the bag are not involved in the recall.

Sears sold these routers nationwide from November 2002 through January 2003 for about $60.

Consumers should stop using these routers immediately and return them to their nearest Sears store for a product exchange. For more information, consumers can call toll-free at (800) 932-3188 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's web site at www.sears.com.